Apple Already Testing a C2 Modem for iPhones, According to Leaker

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Apple is already testing its second-generation C2 modem for future iPhone models, according to a leaker with a proven track record.

iPhone Chips
A private account on X with a history of sharing accurate information said the C2 modem has a C4020 identifier within Apple, which seems to confirm that it already exists. However, the leaker did not provide any further details.

The leaker has requested that we not link to their private account in our coverage of their posts.

Apple has publicly confirmed that it starts developing new iPhone chips several years in advance of them launching, so it is not surprising that the company is allegedly working on a C2 modem. Apple's second-generation modem should offer faster and more reliable 5G connectivity, and it could be even more power efficient.

Apple said the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is already the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, contributing to the device having the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever, including the more expensive regular iPhone 16.

We are still waiting for C1 modem speed tests, but it is expected that Apple's first modem will be slower than Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X71 modem in other iPhones.

In an interview, Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji said the C1 modem is just the "start," so the C2 modem will be the next chapter of the story.

Top Rated Comments

jz0309 Avatar
jz0309
22 weeks ago
of course they are, the C1 probably entered mass production 6 months ago which means the design was done and the chip taped out a year or so ago. That's when the designers moved onto the next one ...
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
Reason077
22 weeks ago

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world.
In previous decades, people would have said the same thing about Apple trying to make CPUs that were competitive against Intel and AMD.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jumpthesnark Avatar
Jumpthesnark
22 weeks ago

I recall Rene Richie quipping that Apple prototypes everything, and likely has an Apple refrigerator/toaster somewhere in a lab (not that they'll ever release it). If you have the resources, building one of something is a great way to find out more about whether such a device/chip/product is good/useful, and what benefits/drawbacks it has. So, yeah, they almost certainly have a C2 and a C3 in the works, along with all sorts of other future hardware.
I want an Apple toaster. They can use Intel chips. ?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
It’s always something Avatar
It’s always something
22 weeks ago

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.
The only certain way to fail would be to not start with the thing at all. Apple is playing catch up, maybe, but with an eye on the long haul.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ondioline Avatar
ondioline
22 weeks ago
According to industry insiders, Apple is testing new iPhone 17 and new M5 processor for Mac. Rumors even reveal a potential iPhone 18
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
green_diyos Avatar
green_diyos
22 weeks ago
It is a given... the iPhone 19 is likely prototyping by now. Same with the iMac 30" or 32"
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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